The Matriarch’s Verse

by Apiorkor Seyiram Ashong-Abbey, Bernard Avle (Foreword)

I am a mongrel; a mixed breed of Ga, Ewe, Akuapem, English, Middle-Eastern and American cultures; I am a Third Culture Kid.

Apiorkor’s socio-cultural experiences are interesting and might appear to be unique. But the truth is that there are several other Ghanaians who are secret sharers of her life. Such people lack access to platforms that would allow them to tell their collective story, so that their societies and communities can re-think all of the things that affect them.

Happily, Apiorkor is an artist over matter and over emotions. She possesses a mastery over words and over the essences of life. Many Ghanaian men, women and children are like her.

And her voice represents their voices.

In this sensational collection, The Matriarch seeks to celebrate, shock, tickle, challenge and highlight our Ghanaian-ness in the 21st Century. The author peppers our imagination with the following:

What does it mean to be Ghanaian?

How have we progressed?

Why do we stand for the things we stand for?

Who really is the modern Ghanaian woman?

Where is the global place for the urban Ghanaian space?

133 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 11, 2019

Reviews

[Darkowaa]

A heartfelt collection. I liked this. Very Ghanaian and every word depicting feelings and emotions felt intentional. I’d love to read a full blown novel by Apiorkor, if she ever comes out with one.